30 Easy Pasta Recipes Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Weeknights got you feeling like a short-order cook for a tiny, demanding army? We get it. Between work, errands, and the occasional attempt at a social life, finding time to whip up a decent dinner can feel like a Herculean task. But fear not, pasta lovers! We’ve compiled a list of 30 incredibly easy pasta recipes that are perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table, stat.
Forget complicated sauces and endless prep time. These recipes are designed to be quick, simple, and delicious, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. So, grab your favorite pasta shape and get ready to conquer dinner, one delicious bite at a time!
Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
This is the ultimate “I have nothing in the fridge” recipe. Just cook your pasta, melt some butter, add garlic, and toss! A sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevates it to a restaurant-worthy dish (almost!).
Cacio e Pepe Recipe
Don’t let the fancy Italian name intimidate you. Cacio e Pepe is essentially cheese and pepper pasta, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The key is using starchy pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
Aglio e Olio Recipe
Another Italian classic, Aglio e Olio (garlic and oil) is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. All you need is garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
Pesto Pasta Recipe
Jarred pesto is your best friend on busy weeknights. Simply cook your pasta and toss it with pesto. Add some cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra flavor.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Shrimp cooks incredibly quickly, making it a perfect protein for a weeknight pasta dish. This lemon garlic shrimp pasta is bright, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
A classic combination that never disappoints. Use canned crushed tomatoes for a quick sauce, and add fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Italian sausage and broccoli are a match made in heaven. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and packed with veggies.
Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
A slightly richer version of tomato pasta, this recipe adds a touch of cream (or even cream cheese!) for a velvety smooth sauce.
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
A cold pasta salad is a great option for a hot summer evening. This tuna pasta salad is easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera Recipe
Minimize cleanup with this one-pot pasta primavera. Simply toss pasta, veggies, and broth into a pot and cook until the pasta is tender.
Mac and Cheese Recipe
The ultimate comfort food! Use a boxed mix for super speed, or make it from scratch for a slightly more elevated version.
Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Don’t let the fancy name scare you! This is an easy recipe that is made from egg yolks, bacon (or pancetta), parmesan and pasta
Pasta with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe
Spinach and Ricotta cheese are the perfect pair, add it to some pasta with butter and you have a delicious recipe.
Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe
This recipe is perfect for people who love spice. It is made with noodles, peanut butter, soy sauce and some red pepper flakes.
Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Using pre-cooked chicken and jarred Alfredo sauce makes this recipe an absolute breeze. Just cook your pasta, toss it all together, and enjoy!
Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
A hearty pasta and bean soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Use canned beans to speed up the cooking process.
Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce come together for a comforting and flavorful pasta dish.
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Recipe
Similar to mac and cheese, but with added broccoli for a healthier twist!
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense flavor to this simple pasta dish.
Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
Avocado creates a surprisingly creamy and delicious sauce for pasta. It’s also a great way to sneak in some healthy fats.
Pasta Puttanesca Recipe
A bold and flavorful pasta sauce made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, and garlic. Don’t be afraid of the anchovies; they add a delicious umami flavor!
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Combine pre-cooked chicken, pesto, and your favorite pasta for a quick and easy salad.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe
Use jarred marinara sauce and ground beef or turkey for a classic and satisfying meal.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe
Inspired by the popular dip, this pasta dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Baked Ziti Recipe
Assemble the pasta, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Perfect for a potluck or a comforting family dinner.
Pasta with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Roast your favorite vegetables (like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini) and toss them with pasta and a simple vinaigrette.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe
A light and refreshing pasta dish with creamy ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Black Olive Pasta Recipe
Use black olives and the liquid it comes with for an easy and satisfying dish.
Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe
Arrabbiata is an Italian pasta sauce that is typically made with garlic, tomatoes, and dried red chili peppers cooked in olive oil.
Ham and Cheese Pasta Recipe
Use small pasta shapes and diced ham and cheese for a crowd-pleasing dish.